How has running changed your life?

[whyhastherumgone]

Just started running again after a good year - a rough year - as I find it really good for my mental health.
I'm hoping it's going to get me fitter again and help me lose a bit of weight too. A few of my friends have been bit down on it telling me I'll get that "haggard runner look" and it won't change my figure at all - they don't exercise at all I hasten to add.

So i'm looking for positive stories to keep me motivated on days when I don't feel like getting my runners on...

[mrscee]

I love running started over 10 years ago on a beginners running club. Now I run with the great run local every week and I've made good friends and tomorrow I'm running the great south run 5km

[Shhhhh223]

I know this is a old thread but I’ve just started the couch to 5k after not doing anything for years and I’m loving it. I found this thread today and really enjoyed the positive comments and wondered how op was getting on with running?

[IJustLostTheGame]

whyhastherumgone running/jogging for 30 minutes according to my fitbit burns about 250 calories. I don't know how accurate that is.
You could always reduce your intake by 200 calories on running days and 500 on rest days until your body adjusts. It doesn't take long. It really doesn't. And you will tone up as well as lose weight.

[whyhastherumgone]

well I've managed 25 miles this week and feel great - although the scales are showing I've put on 3kg! Oh well, think I'll go with how my clothes feel and just enjoy the running rather than getting hung up on the numbers.

[whyhastherumgone]

@showergel9 well done! I felt so elated when I got back today and I swear I have been way more productive than I normally am.

@mistermagpie wow that's awesome, go you :)

@frazzled2007 thank you! I only got back to it a week or so ago and managed to do a VERY slow 5km to start and have mainly stuck to that distance but was listening to a podcast today and it just flew by - I felt I could easily do 10 amazingly but decided to up my distance gradually.

[ShowerGel9]

I went on my first run today.

Omg my legs are like jelly and sore...but it's a good sore....I like it!!

[mistermagpie]

Running has changed my life. I always hated 'sport' and used to beg my mum to get me out of games at school. I started running in 2014 a realised I actually love exercise! Running is so flexible, you don't need any equipment (except decent trainers!) or to join a club or anything, it's free and you can do it anywhere! I am so uncompetitive that team sports leave me cold, but I'm very goal oriented with running and love to challenge myself.

Weight loss wise, when I started running I lost 18lb over a couple of months (I wasn't overweight, just the top of the BMI). I was watching what I ate a bit but nothing I would call a diet. I have since had two children and weigh less than I did before!

[Frazzled2207]

7k is fab if you haven't run in a while. Well done.

[TheOrigRightsofwomen]

Partly on the basis that any runner worth their salt doesn’t judge any other runner on their ability or personality just the fact they are out there taking part is enough.

THIS!

My running club mates are the most supportive, friendly bunch you could meet. We celebrate ALL successes, whether that be a podium finish in a very competitive road race, or a beginner completing their first parkrun.

We do some really fun team events where sometimes we enter a team with a good chance of a prize, and other times teams to simply participate.

We help each other when we have a bad run or race or are injured.

[Alwaysinahurrynow]

Running has been a crucial part of my life for over 15 years. I’d never really been a sport person before I took up running. I love it and my DH says it’s part of who I am.

Been on the back burner between 2012 and 2017, but ended up on a huge high 1 year on from having my third baby in 4 years as managed a marathon pb (4.08) as he turned 1.

It’s not easy to fit in sometimes (a 22 mile run starting at 5:30am), but it will definitely make you better.

Joining a running group was also a fantastic experience for me and i’ve just started running with my 5 year old who has asd. Partly on the basis that any runner worth their salt doesn’t judge any other runner on their ability or personality just the fact they are out there taking part is enough.

[Tired12345]

If you are in London, Bristol or Bath have a look for This Mum Runs courses near you. Fab and inspirational running group.

[whyhastherumgone]

For those of you who have lost quite a lot of weight through running, did you also diet at the same time?

I'm not doing that at the moment as I'm scared I'll burn out quickly - I'm always really hungry when I'm running - but I am tracking on MFP just to keep tabs and make sure I stay within my calorie goal.

I do think I'll need to slim down a bit before I can progress with speed, so I'm focusing mainly on endurance at the moment - although building up slowly as I managed to injure my hip last year as I pushed myself too far too quickly.

This has turned into a great thread, thanks to everyone who has replied.

[NineFortySixPM]

I’m a reluctant runner. I find it hard to get motivated to go, but do love the feeling afterwards. I struggle with outdoors on streets because of my dodgy knees, but much prefer running outdoors and find it easier to get motivated to go out than on the treadmill iyswim. There’s a great trail near me that’s nice and soft going but I do have to drive to reach it which is a barrier. I run 3 times per week minimum and try for 5k each time which is due to time restraints really.

I’ve never done more than 8.5k in one stretch so any tips to get me to 10k would be welcome. I started with c25k 2.5 years ago and it helped me lose a stone. I always hated running my whole life, thought with my 34e boobs i just wasn’t built for it but like a pp said the c25k taught me how to run and I now tell everyone who says they cant run that they absolutely can.

I think I do look a bit haggard, but that’s not running it’s just age catching up on me!

[ShowerGel9]

Someone told me the reason that you look haggard eventually is because the runner can make your facial muscles go saggy?

[AuntieStella]

Just to counter the idea of 'haggard' a little further: here's a blog article (which I really hope the author won't mind me C&Ping onto MN) about Winter Training = Beauty Treatments For Free

"Winter running brings about its own challenges. There is an element of, do I really want to get out in this? as you leave your warm duvet. There is invariably the dark mornings & nights to consider. All in all, it gives us more reasons to not get out there.

"Regardless, winter running has it’s advantages when it comes to my beauty regime, which is minimal at best. These little freebies that I get whilst out on a winter run help my skin look & feel alive & healthy with no cost whatsoever. Beauty “treatments” courtesy of the trails & coastlines of North Cornwall are as follows:

"Indian Head Massage achieved when running in a hail storm, granted not as relaxing but certainly stimulates the hair follicles!

"Reflexology achieved by trail running over stony tracks through woodland & coast paths. This has in fact helped me to achieve pain free running after suffering with plantar fasciitis.

"Beauty facials can be achieved by stepping out of the door, heading for the coast & letting mother nature do it’s thing. Invariably I return with rosy cheeks, clear eyes & feel a million dollars

"Mud packs for my feet achieved the minute I get into the surrounding fields & trails. There is rarely a run when my trainers do not need a good scrub or at least a good airing!

"Facial exfoliation / Microdermabrasion achieved by running along the beach on a windy day. Top tip is to keep eyes semi closed or have glasses at the ready otherwise your eyeballs may receive an unwanted exfoliation as well.

"To top it all off, if you catch the weather in North Cornwall just right, you even enjoy a free shower at the end!"

[Thirtyrock39]

I started at Easter last year with the couch to 5k just to say at that point I was a complete non runner had always hated it and been rubbish At it but c25k so was motivating and I have continued running 3 x a week ever since I now do 4 or 5k each run - it has taken me a while to regularly do 5k for a few months after completing c25k I was doing 3 x 3k per week but have gradually built up and have a route I really like. I had one week when it snowed and kids were ill when I couldn't go running which made me really miss it. It has definitely improved my figure my legs and bum are really toned and it's amazing for mental health benefits - just being out in the open air and the sense of achievement. I also find it quite a mindful thing as it's quite hard to distract yourself from the run and takes your mind off other stresses. It has taken a while for my overall fitness to improve- although I quickly improved my stamina it's only starting to feel 'easy ' at times now - and not the whole run.

[AuntieStella]

I've been running for about 18 months. I started towards the end of my weight loss journey, and at the beginning I didn't really like it. Took months before I did, and during that time it really changed my life:

a) I have more energy and I sleep better
b) my lower half is in better shape - my legs are stronger and more toned, and my tummy is flatter than it's ever been (running is good for core, but on't do much above that)
c) I run outside and feel better for the time outdoors
d) it gives me time to think
e) I have a real sense of achievement by reaching new milestones (just completing 5k then 10k events, now racing for Personal Bests)
f) discovering the Parkrun community
g) making new friends at at running club
h) always having enough spare calories for

I don't think I look haggard!

Downsides: I have spent quite a lot on tech clothes, trainers and gadgets, and I can bore for Britain on splits, cadence and training plans....

Best bit: being faster then DH (mean I know, but I always thought he was such a good runner because that's what he told me)

[TeeBee]

Makes me feel like I've achieved something before I've even started my day.
Allows me to give the dog a good run at the same time.
Means I can wear normal long boots (used to struggle because of large calf muscles).
Shreds the weight off you.
The fresh air is amazing for my skin.
Does my digestion the world of good.
Stops me stabbing people.

Don't take 'advice' about exercising from those who don't exercise. Its easier for them to put you down and therefore justify not moving than it is for them to get off their arses themselves. Never heard of the haggard took nor experienced it. People often tell me I look at least 15 years younger than I am so I'll keep running thanks.

[TheOrigRightsofwomen]

Well yes, that's what I mean - the disparity between body and face, but where the face has additional sun damage maybe making it look older.

Oh I don't know!
I do try and wear sun cream, but the sports stuff that doesn't make your eyes sting when sweat runs into them is £££££

No chance of fecking sun damage today!

[Skisunsnow]

Running is what makes me happy! I have 3 children (5, 3 and 11 weeks) and have just got back to it after not doing much running since before I was first pregnant. It makes everything seem better getting out for a run, and is the only way I've every properly lost weight. I want to lose 4-5 stone as a result of babies and here goes!
Ignore your friends who say you'll look haggard, they're just jealous that they can't find the motivation to do it themselves

[Luckingfovely]

I agree that I don't see women in their 40s having the body of someone in their 20s as a negative thing

Let me just say.... sun cream while running?

[HappyGowerGirl]

Ha I just read your post again and we are saying the same thing... sorry😀

[HappyGowerGirl]

But theOrig, their face might well reflect their actual age (rather than looking older than they are), it's just that their body looks younger than they are!!

[TheOrigRightsofwomen]

Runners can get sun damage. I do actually know what people might be referring to. I've sometimes been racing behind someone who looks like they have the body of a 20 year old, then I pass them and see that actually they are more my age, with wrinkles etc. I wouldn't say haggard as such, but definitely more aged in comparison to their body.

I think in women over 40 (which I am) it's easier to maintain a good body shape, but the face and neck will just carry on ageing, so maybe it's more the difference between body and face which is apparent?

Haggard is a horrible word though. I think I prefer weather-beaten.

[Luckingfovely]

WTAF is the haggard runner look? What an absolute loads of bollocks. Your friends are lazy and jealous.

Running will change your life for the better, mentally, physically and emotionally. It has saved my life on occasion, I think.

Just start slow to avoid injury and build up gradually. And enjoy it!